Approaches to Stabilisation

Abstract

This rapid literature review explores how approaches to stabilisation have varied by the donor, local context, and over time. While this paper was framed around a research question on the “Area Based Stabilisation” (ABS) approach, this term is barely used in the literature. Therefore, it is not possible to define an ABS approach or compare it to other approaches. However, there is considerable literature on approaches to stabilisation more generally, with some comparative analysis of approaches by donors and how these are evolving according to the context and some illustrative lessons from their application. As per the question from FCDO, this query also draws on analyses of the following case examples: Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience (RSS) of the Boko Haram-affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin Region; Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Afghanistan; Area Based Recovery Approach (ABRA) in Iraq; and the Stabilisation Facility for Libya (SFL). As the Stabilisation Unit (2019) emphasises, as the purpose of engaging in stabilisation activities, and the political and conflict contexts, vary so much, it is only possible to draw out some generic/illustrative lessons across cases.